OUR MISSION STATEMENT

At Johnston Heights Secondary School we are a caring and

respectful community of learners working together to

develop full potential in all.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Just as education without humanity is the most dangerous thing in the world, so education in love, human understanding and cooperation is the greatest hope in the world."

Report Card Signing / Promotion Comments Meeting - Library @ 9:00 am

Provincial Exams - Math 10 - morning

- Geography 12 - afternoon

Gala Awards @ 7:00 pm - Large Gym

Tuesday, June 29

Couns/Admin Meeting @ 9:30 am

Provincial Exams - Sp & Man 12 - morning

Report Cards Issued @ 1:00 pm - Period 1

Wednesday, June 30

Staff Meeting @ 10:00 am - Theatre

Schools Close - Thank you for a wonderful year. Enjoy your summer!

This Week at Johnston Heights - Principal's Message

This week we held our final classes of the year and moved into Provincial Exams. Monday was an exciting and busy day, full of students anticipating their summer holiday and celebrating the successful conclusion of another school year. 2009/10 at JH has been a very good year... it has been full of meaningful learning opportunities and infused with friendship. It is always very interesting to see how many students find it difficult to leave the school at the end of the final day. Our hallways were again crowded with students as they said their farewells and celebrated together.

Provincial exams also started on Monday. This year, increasing numbers of students and exams are being conducted online. This has created additional logistic challenges, but is more supportive of students' success. Our thanks to all staff for your assistance in invigilating exams and supporting students. The organization and processing of the Provincial exams has gone very well. Our students have been reassured with the calm, professional and supportive atmosphere we have created.

On Monday evening, we celebrated with our graduating students and their families at the Commencement ceremony. First, I would like to recognize and thank Mr. Moloney for the leadership you have provided in coordinating this very large and important event. I received many compliments from parents about the ceremony. It was a very special evening. My thanks to all staff who attended the event. I am sure you also found the evening very inspirational. This ceremony represented the culmination of all that we hold important as educators. The joy and pride displayed by students, parents and staff was obvious. This year's graduating class has made us all very proud - they have provided significant leadership across the school community. Congratulations to all.

This week we hosted a sharing session with teachers and administration from Guildford Park Secondary and LA Matheson Secondary and District Helping teachers. We discussed the future of the Grade 8 and 9 programs in our schools and across the Province. Mr. Zanatta and Ms. Wang were able to share their observations about the Grade 8 Cohort pilot project at Johnston Heights. It was a very rich and enjoyable discussion and it was clear that many of us are starting to examine our current vision, goals and structures in light of 21st century learning research.

The creation of report cards at the end of June is always hectic with such a short timeline. This year is no exception. Marks were collected on Wednesday. Again - my thanks to all staff for your diligence in meeting this tight schedule and for your assistance in providing highly professional and clearly supported summative assessment for your students.

After 5 years, I find myself writing my final "This Week at JH". The time has moved very quickly. It has been an honour to help guide Johnston Heights over the past 5 years. As principal I have been priviliged to be part of a leadership team which has witnessed amazing success stories at all levels. I firmly believe that Johnston Heights is truly a caring community of excellence. I know that what we have built together is unique and very special. A school community which cares for each other, while promoting excellence in learning, doesn't just happen. The dedication, partnership, professionalism and leadership of our staff and student and parents are essential ingredients. Our ability to make decisions which centre on the needs of students is essential. Our understanding that we are all here to find a way to support the success of all learners - regardless of their diverse needs, is essential. Our ability to understand the unique needs of the school community and respond in a caring, professional manner is essential. And above all, our understanding that as educators we have been entrusted to carry out society's most important task with skill and compassion. At Johnston Heights we do all of this and more.

It has been a privilege to be part of the JH team. I will remember my time as a JH Eagle with great fondness.

Best wishes for the future.

COUNSELLORS' CORNER

Kids Help Line 1-800-668-6868. If you would like some Kids Help Line Cards, please ask a counsellor.

Please see the attached article. It provides a provocative comparison between 20th and 21st Century education.

June 30th Farewell Luncheon

Sign up for the Potluck luncheon will be on Betty's counter starting next week. Please sign your name and what you will be bringing.

Back East Parking Lot CLOSED until further notice.

Summer Holidays, Sunshine, Relaxation, Rejuvenation, New Adventures, New Challenges - Enjoy!

OUR SCHOOL GOALS

1. By the end of the 2009/10 school year, we will reduce the percentage of students who fail one or more courses by 20%.

2. To further develop Johnston Heights' culture of caring and respect for learning through growth of students' personal and social responsibility.